Following discussions with the Academic Council and the Faculty Liaison Committee, a decision was taken in the autumn of 2014 to carry out an internal round of job advertisements with a view to appointing up to five MSO professors at each school of the Faculty of Arts (the abbreviation “MSO” stands for “with special responsibilities” in Danish). The selection process involves two stages: first at faculty level, then at school level.

“I’m delighted that we’ve had so many applications – I think it shows how much research potential we have at the faculty,” says Johnny Laursen, the acting dean of the Faculty of Arts.

Strategic value for the faculty

The first stage involved a meeting on 28 April of the Academic Council and representatives of the school research committees to discuss the 71 applications. This has resulted in a recommendation that prioritises the projects outlined in the applications. The recommendation will be included in the second stage of the selection process, when strategic value will be considered in relation to the other criteria (including the strategies of the schools).

The Academic Council assessed the 71 project topics based on the following three criteria:

1. Project topics of central importance for the faculty’s strategy which have independent academic potential
2. Project topics of importance for the faculty’s strategy which have independent academic potential
3. Project topics which have independent academic development potential

Second stage at school level

The second stage takes place at school level, with a selection committee being set up including the school management team. The selection process must be completed before 31 May 2015.

For the second stage the faculty management team has laid down the following five criteria:

1. The strategic importance of the proposed project for the development of the school in question
2. The proposed project’s quality and originality, its potential for raising the profile of the faculty’s research and education, and the feasibility of carrying it out
3. The research reputation and international impact of applicants, as well as their ability to support educational, talent development and knowledge exchange activities
4. The presumed ability of applicants and projects to help increase the amount of external funding that can be attracted
5. The particular qualifications of applicants with regard to carrying out the proposed project